Ostomy Support Forum

Hello fellow ostomates! I have been following for a year and a half. This site is the best thing I have found in my new “normal.” I have tried taking my multivitamin; it makes my stool jet black! Does anyone on here have that problem? I have not been able to gain my weight back, and my appetite is not good most of the time. I had emergency surgery in April 2023; this site has been a lifesa ...

I had an ileostomy for 3 years. It was reversed, and now I have a colostomy. After 5 years, I've started getting panic and anxiety attacks where I cannot stand having the bag and two-piece system stuck to my skin. I have no idea where it's come from. No other issues have changed in my life. Does anyone have any hints on how to help lessen this? I've tried walking my dog, riding a recumbent bik ...

Hi... Sorry for this question, as it is embarrassing, but I wondered if anyone else has experienced this...
I had a colostomy for about 1 year, and about 8 weeks ago, I had a reversal. Everything seems to be healing properly, and I really have had no serious issues.
Prior to going into reversal surgery, I was given instructions and paperwork on doing exercises to target my anal sphincter calle ...

I would really like to find a friend who I can share with and listen to. I live on Long Island, New York, and would love to meet someone I can support and share my journey with. I have an ileostomy and struggle with high output and the usual ostomy issues. I've tried a support group in West Islip that meets on Saturdays once a month, but I found it hard to relate to some of the members. If any ...

Hi folks,
Wondered if it was okay to jump rope with an ileostomy? What precautions were taken?
Thanks for your feedback. Jack D.

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this great forum/group
I had my permanent ileostomy in April 2024 after living with ulcerative colitis for 22 years. I've never been slim, but I'm now at my heaviest I've ever been, after putting on over 3 stone since my operation last year! My GP has got me signed up with a gym/PT, but I'm struggling to get to many sessions due to work, childcare, and overwhelming fat ...

I have been using Cavilon Skin Barrier Wands since my old Dermarite Wands are so hard to find. Well, I noticed that in the shower now my barrier starts to come unglued. That is not a desirable effect if I want to go swimming any time soon. If water is going to cause my barrier to come unstuck, then I can't go swimming. This never happened with my Dermarite Wands. They worked to keep my barrier ...

Two years later with my ileostomy, what about corn on the cob? Anyone ever tried it? If so, how did it go?

Ian is going to have surgery on my dominant hand and will be unable to perform tasks related to emptying or changing my bag.
Wondering if anyone has been in a similar predicament and how they coped? I plan to have some home health care but feel I need someone with me all day as I empty my bag 4 to 5 times daily and change the whole appliance every 4 to 5 days. My husband has volunteered; I'd r ...

Hi, I am 6 weeks post-op today. I have an ileostomy. Until a couple of days ago, my output was mostly watery, or sometimes it was a bit thicker. Starting yesterday, I am seeing a thicker output with small solid stools. Is this normal? Thanks!

I am 8 weeks out from an emergency colostomy, from a leak from bowel resection.
My stoma is located high on my stomach, above my belly button, front and center. I don't know the reason it was chosen; I haven't thought to ask. I'm learning so much from the group. I have a feeling it had to do with where the resection was done two weeks before and adhesions that had already formed.
My stoma is n ...